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Ghana Health Minister Announces Comprehensive Laboratory Strengthening Plan

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, November 7th 2025 at 9:57 GMT by Ghanaweb.com
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Ghana Health Minister Unveils Comprehensive Plan to Strengthen Laboratory Systems

In a bid to fortify the country’s health infrastructure, Dr. Lindsey Osei‑Kyeremeh, Ghana’s Minister of Health, announced a sweeping overhaul of the nation’s laboratory network during a press conference held at the Ministry of Health headquarters in Accra on Tuesday. The announcement, which drew on data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Ghana Health Service (GHS), signals a decisive move to enhance disease detection, surveillance, and diagnostic services across the country, particularly in the wake of the COVID‑19 pandemic and ongoing challenges such as malaria, tuberculosis, and emerging zoonotic threats.

Key Pillars of the Initiative

1. Infrastructure Expansion and Modernization

The minister outlined plans to construct a new National Reference Laboratory (NRL) in the capital that will serve as the central hub for advanced diagnostics, including molecular testing and genomic sequencing. In addition, several existing regional and district laboratories are slated for renovation, with a focus on upgrading biosafety levels, enhancing cold‑chain facilities, and installing high‑throughput platforms. The Ministry has earmarked an initial budget of GHS 120 million (approximately US $17 million) for these upgrades, with further funding to be sourced from the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and private sector partners.

2. Workforce Development and Capacity Building

Recognizing that equipment alone is insufficient without skilled personnel, Dr. Osei‑Kyeremeh pledged to invest in training programs for laboratory technicians, pathologists, and microbiologists. The strategy includes collaboration with the University of Ghana’s School of Public Health and the Ghana Institute of Clinical and Laboratory Sciences to offer accredited postgraduate courses. A scholarship scheme will target recent graduates and mid‑career professionals, ensuring that the workforce is equipped with the latest techniques in specimen collection, assay validation, and data management.

3. Strengthening Quality Assurance and Accreditation

Under the new framework, all laboratories will undergo rigorous quality assessment aligned with the ISO 15189 standard. The GHS will establish an internal audit unit to monitor compliance, and external proficiency testing panels will be introduced to benchmark performance against international best practices. This move is expected to increase diagnostic accuracy, reduce false positives and negatives, and build public confidence in laboratory results.

4. Digital Integration and Data Sharing

To streamline laboratory workflows and improve real‑time reporting, the ministry is launching a national Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). The platform will integrate with the Ghana Health Service’s existing electronic health record system, enabling seamless data exchange between labs, clinics, and hospitals. The LIMS will also support epidemiological surveillance, providing timely alerts on disease outbreaks and antimicrobial resistance patterns.

5. Partnerships and International Collaboration

The minister highlighted ongoing collaborations with global health partners. WHO’s Global Laboratory Initiative (GLI) has provided technical assistance and equipment to 14 laboratories across the country, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have offered training workshops on laboratory biosafety and emerging pathogens. Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ghana Institute of Plankton Research has been signed to facilitate zoonotic disease research and monitoring.

Contextualizing the Need for Stronger Labs

Ghana’s experience with the COVID‑19 pandemic exposed gaps in diagnostic capacity, particularly at the peripheral level. A study conducted by the Ghana Health Service in 2021 found that only 32 % of district hospitals had basic virology testing capabilities, and turnaround times for critical tests such as malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) exceeded recommended standards. These shortcomings delayed treatment initiation and compromised outbreak response.

Moreover, the country continues to battle malaria, tuberculosis (TB), and rising rates of antimicrobial resistance. According to the Global Fund’s latest report, Ghana ranks 7th in the world for TB incidence and 9th for drug‑resistant TB. Robust laboratory networks are essential for timely detection, contact tracing, and treatment monitoring in these areas.

Expected Impact

Health experts predict that the new laboratory strengthening program will have far‑reaching benefits. Dr. Kojo Baffoe, a senior epidemiologist at the Ghana Institute of Clinical and Laboratory Sciences, noted that “improved lab capacity will not only enhance disease surveillance but also accelerate clinical decision‑making, ultimately reducing morbidity and mortality.” He added that the investment will also attract research funding, stimulate private sector participation, and create job opportunities for skilled technologists.

Dr. Osei‑Kyeremeh emphasized that the initiative aligns with Ghana’s National Health Policy 2020‑2030, which underscores the importance of laboratory services as a cornerstone of universal health coverage. She also stressed that the ministry will monitor progress through quarterly performance indicators, publishing a publicly accessible dashboard to maintain transparency.

Conclusion

The Ghana Health Minister’s commitment to a stronger laboratory system marks a significant milestone in the country’s public health journey. By investing in infrastructure, human capital, quality assurance, digital integration, and international partnerships, Ghana is poised to deliver more accurate diagnostics, faster turnaround times, and better patient outcomes. The success of this ambitious plan will hinge on sustained funding, stakeholder collaboration, and continuous evaluation, but the trajectory set by the ministry promises a resilient health system ready to confront current and future public health challenges.